What does 말해도 돼요 mean?
말해도 돼요 means "Is it okay to say this?" in Korean.
How it works here
‘-아/어도 되다’ is attached to ‘말하다’ to ask politely whether speaking is allowed.
Key expression
-아/어도 되다
An expression used to ask permission to say or do something, or cautiously check whether it is okay.
‘-아/어도 되다’ is a polite expression asking whether an action is allowed.
When it's used
Used to ask permission before speaking or doing something.
The line
이거 말해도 돼요?
Is it okay if I say this?
Said in a public place or group before speaking or taking an action.
Scene from “ENHYPEN (엔하이픈) 'EN-O'CLOCK' EP.1” · Channel: ENHYPEN Watch on YouTube
More examples
여기 앉아도 돼요?
Is it okay if I sit here?
이거 지금 먹어도 돼요?
Is it okay if I eat this now?
Quick check
When would you use this expression?
말해도 돼요
이거 말해도 돼요?
Is it okay if I say this?
- Hearing a teacher tell you to quietly take out your cellphone in class.
- Cautiously asking whether you may say this before giving a presentation in class.
- Being warned not to read a book aloud in a library.
Show the answer
Cautiously asking whether you may say this before giving a presentation in class.
An expression used to ask permission to say or do something, or cautiously check whether it is okay. ‘-아/어도 되다’ is a polite expression asking whether an action is allowed.
Other words in this line
- 이거
- This
- 말하다
- To speak; to say
Same expression in other scenes
- 먹어도 될 것 같은데 — It seems like it should be okay to eat it
- 나와도 돼요 — It is okay if it comes out
- 들어가도 되려나 — I wonder if I can go in
- 먹어도 돼요 — May I eat it?
- 안 붙여도 되잖아요 — It means that it is okay not to stick it on.
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